Aces lose to Flora, 47-44

Even after all the bad breaks and bounces which had frustrated them all night, the Aces boys basketball team still had a chance to win Saturday night’s non-conference game with visiting Flora.

The Wolves’ Cory Moore had other ideas, however. He stole a cross-court pass and hit a layup with eight seconds left to push Flora’s lead to 47-44.Relegated to a shot at a tie and overtime, the Aces’ bad fortune would not escape them, as Levi Laws’ game-saving attempt bounced just off the rim as time expired, and the Wolves had escaped the Hilltop with a perfect 6-0 record intact.“Our guys fought through some adverse situations throughout the game, and they hung in there,” said Mt. Carmel coach Tyler Buss after the game. “I’m not displeased with the effort, but these are games we’ve got to learn how to start winning.”The loss spoiled an otherwise superb defensive performance against Flora’s veteran leader, senior Ethan Leib, who was held to two points and four shots.Late, when Flora looked in control at 44-40, Riley Raber scored after a steal by Reece Metcalf, then Levi Laws followed up a Flora free throw with a basket to cut the deficit to one point, 45-44.Mt. Carmel (1-3) could not get over the hump, though, because of free throw shooting. At one point in the final frame, the Aces missed seven of eight at the line.Metcalf led the Aces with 14 points. Laws was next at 11 points. Bryce Pearce scored 17 to lead Flora.• Friday night, the Aces lost a Big 8 Conference game at Vincennes Lincoln, 71-53. The Alices return only one starter from last year’s league champions, but the younger Alices were able to take advantage of numerous Mt. Carmel turnovers to pull away with a 17-2 first-half run that opened up a close game.The Aces play at Princeton on Tuesday night.